Private group travel is the ultimate way to see Australia how YOU want. Alter one of our pre-existing itineraries to match your interests and preferred departure date or create a new custom made itinerary completely from scratch.

Overview

Overview

Trip highlights

Enjoy the independence of self-guided cycling with all logistics taken care of for you

Wheel along stretches of beautiful coastline past Bicheno and other small fishing villages

Explore the spectacular Freycinet National Park with an optional walk to the famous Wineglass Bay

Cycle a circuit of Maria Island or explore it on foot

Stop at vineyards, cheese-makers and berry farms to taste gourmet local food, including the famous Pyengana cheese

Optional activities out of the saddle available

Tasmania's East Coast offers access to some of the best experiences on offer on the island state and there are few better ways to take in all the highlights than by travelling by bike at your own pace on this well crafted self guided itinerary. After a thorough briefing from our guides in Launceston, you may choose to begin this self guided trip with a ride along a section of the Trail of the Tin Dragon driving route, which delves into the regions tin mining history and the arrival of the local Chinese population. Out of the saddle, stop to taste cheese in Pyengana and take an optional walk to Tasmania's highest waterfall, St Columbus Falls, before getting back on the bike for a spectacular coastal ride via picturesque Bicheno to Coles Bay, gateway to the Freycinet National Park. In Freycinet there is time to explore this special part of the East Coast by taking in some walks or kayaking on the azure waters. The highlights keep rolling on as you continue with time on Maria Island, where you can discover remnants of Tasmania's convict past and the island's extraordinary beauty on foot or a 22km circuit ride. Got more time? Ask about our 10 day itinerary that also includes the historical site of Port Arthur.

Activities:

This self guided trip involves cycling and some optional day walks if you prefer. Daily activity is usually between 5 and 7 hours but some days might be longer depending on your overall pace on riding a bike with panniers, which will house all your needs for the trip. Being a self guided trip you determine the pace and schedule. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health and be a very confident and capable cyclist to complete the distances. Be prepared for potential variable weather conditions which can also add to the timing and comfort of a trip, for example riding into a head wind will take more time than when the wind is behind you.

Rating:

Itinerary

Itinerary

Today you will start your tour in the historic city of Launceston. After a short briefing and demonstration of your hire gear you will be transferred to Scottsdale via the picturesque countryside and forests of North East Tasmania. From here you saddle up and embark upon the first stage of your journey, travelling through beautiful agricultural heartlands before choosing to either stay on the Tasman Highway or get onto the 'rail trail'. The well maintained rail trail is for the more adventurous, taking you off road through extensive forested scenery before joining up again with the main road just outside of Branxholm.
After passing through Derby, famous for its tin mining history, great flood of 1929, and now for it's epic mountain biking trails, you continue to cycle through spectacularly lush and fertile valleys and rainforests before reaching the famous Weldborough Hotel. Here you can rest your legs, have a shower and choose from the extensive range of local micro brewery beverages that this quaint pub has to offer.
Cycle distance: 54 km
Estimated cycle times: Via Rail Trail 4 hrs | Via Tasman Hwy 3 hrs 40 mins

Starting the day with a hearty breakfast provided by your hosts, you once more jump aboard your trusty steel horse and head off towards the East Coast. The first recommended side trip today is at the magical Weldborough Pass; an easy and informative stroll through remnant Gondwanan rainforest. Next continue up the hill before cresting the ridge line and taking in your first glimpse of the East Coast. Enjoy an exhilarating descent to the flats of the Pyengana Valley. Here you can stop at the famous Pyengana cheese factory and enjoy a delicious ice cream whilst watching the happy cows being milked. A great option is to continue along the C428 to one of Tassie’s great short walks: St Columbus Falls which is Tasmania’s highest waterfall.
Getting back onto the Tasman highway the vegetation starts to change and you will continue to see tantalising glimpses of the ocean. Passing below the Blue Tier you cycle through Goshen before starting the gentle descent to the East Coast's game fishing capital St Helens. Tonight you will be staying at Kellraine units. You can choose from the town’s range of restaurants and cafes where you can sample some of the sumptuous local seafood.
Cycle distance: 44 km
Estimated cycle times: 3 hrs plus side trips

Set out today with the sun on your back and the wind in your hair. The cycling today is relatively easy as you follow the glorious coastline, stopping at your leisure at the numerous little bays and uncrowded, wide sandy beaches for which the area is renowned. Passing through the seaside town of Scamander you will likely see locals fishing for bream from the bridge and you can stop for a drink or just to take in the serenity. Past Scamander is Henderson’s lagoon, a treat for bird watchers and with over seven kilometres of well marked trails.
Further down the coast you can visit the sensationally situated Iron House Brewery where you can enjoy a light lunch and tastings of different beers made with local spring water. Moving on you pass through the Chain of Lagoons before choosing whether to take the unsealed Rosedale Road to visit the magnificent waterhole at Douglas Apsley National Park, or continuing on along the coast road for the final 3km of the day's ride to arrive at Bicheno by the Bay, your accommodation for the evening.
Cycle distance: 77 km
Estimated cycle times: 4 hrs 15 mins

Today provides a change of pace with only a short ride along the coast before reaching Coles Bay, gateway to the world famous Freycinet National Park home of the incomparable Wineglass bay. Here you have the option of enjoying some of the extensive array of beautiful walks the park has to offer, taking it easy on the beach or enjoying a kayaking session on the crystal clear waters of Oyster Bay with the multi award winning Freycinet Adventures kayak company.
After a day in the National Park you can relax in your accommodation at the Iluka Holiday Park or take a short stroll down to the Coles Bay pub for your evening meal. You could also visit Tombolo gourmet pizza restaurant, or even take some cheese and olives down to the beach for a peaceful and scenic waterfront dinner.
Cycle Distance: 43 km
Estimated cycle times: 3 hrs
Walking times: From 45 mins to all day

Feeling refreshed you will re-ride the Coles Bay Road before turning south again on the Tasman Highway. This morning you pass through premier wine growing country where you can stop at a number of vineyards to enjoy tastings or a well deserved coffee. From Devils Corner Vineyard you have a short and steep incline to the peak of Cherry Tree Hill – this route provides spectacular views back towards the magnificent pink granite peaks of the Hazards range and Great Oyster Bay. From here the route turns inland, undulating through eucalypt forest then descending again through a variety of rural landscapes and coastal panoramas.
At approximately the 33km mark – after your decent from Cherry Tree Hill – you come to Glen Gala Road on the left. This peaceful country road takes you on a short detour over Swan River, bringing you out again to the Tasman Highway at Gala Estate Vineyard. Tonight your lodging will be close to the water at the Swansea Holiday Park.
Cycle distance: 57 km
Estimated cycle times: 3-4 hrs

Having reached the halfway point of your cycle adventure today you are treated to one of the most spectacular sections of the Tasman Highway. You will be rewarded with view after stunning view of our unspoilt coastline. Ample opportunities exist for stopping at the numerous sandy beaches and sheltered rocky coves that are dotted along the coast. Look out for the famous ‘Spiky Bridge’, one of many remnants of Tasmania’s convict past. Passing through quaint rural hamlets as you approach Swanport the scenery changes again to picturesque country fields and gentle rolling hills. Looking south-east as you approach Triabunna you may catch glimpses of the silhouette of the renowned National Park of Maria Island.
Triabunna is the only opportunity you will have to stock up on supplies for your stay in the National Park. Here you head to the jetty and wait to embark upon the Maria Island ferry at 4:15pm. Crossing the Mercury Passage takes about half an hour and provides you with an appreciation of how far you have come as you gaze north along Tasmania’s coastline. Upon arriving at Darlington it is only a short walk to the campground where you can set up your comfortable camp for the next two nights.
Cycle distance: 51 km
Estimated cycle times: 2 hrs 45 mins

It is worth getting up before dawn and making your way to the Fossil Cliffs to watch a Tasman Sea sunrise before starting your adventures for the day ahead. If you are keen to do some more cycling you have the opportunity to ride the 22km of well defined trails plus some of the circuit routes across the Island. Or you can choose from one of the many walks the National Park has to offer including the astounding Painted Cliffs or the sublime peak of Bishop and Clerk.
If snorkelling is your thing then the Darlington jetty is situated within the island's marine reserve and you can swim amongst the shoals of different fish species found within the crystal clear waters. The history of Maria Island is fascinatingly diverse and hours can easily be spent simply wandering through the ruins and restored buildings of Darlington learning of their past. Spending a second night at the Maria Island campground gives you time to stroll through the myriad open grassy pastures and marvel at the abundance of wildlife which populates the island... keep your eye out for the cheeky Tasmanian Devils that sometimes scamper through camp!
Cycle distance: Your choice
Walking time: 1.5 hrs to 7 hrs

The last morning on Maria Island gives you a short while to take in the park's serenity before jumping aboard the 9:45am ferry and returning once more to the mainland. From here you will be transfered back to Hobart by one of our friendly staff.
During your time in Hobart consider a visit to Mt Wellington for sensational views or a rainforest amble – alpine wilderness only half an hour from the bustle of Hobart's CBD. Alternatively you can opt for a cultural infusion and visit the internationally renowned MONA (Museum of Old & New Art). You can take the MONA Ferry from Brooke Street Pier, which takes you to MONA up the Derwent River with spectacular views of beautiful Hobart backed by the grand dolerite spires of Mt Wellington – a great way to get your bearings of the city. The peaceful Botanical Gardens are just a short walk from Hobart city centre... Or just relax by the waterfront at Salamanca Place with a well deserved drink, congratulate yourself on all you have achieved over the week, and watch the afternoon pass by!

Bike information

Bike information

Hybrid Bike

Electric Bike

Avanti Discovery Low Electric Bike available for hire at an additional $50 per day. The Discovery Low E is built for comfort. With a soft seat, upright riding position and Shimano STEPS electronic assist, you’ll be riding further with ease.

Suitability

Suitability

Moderate

6

This self guided trip involves cycling and some optional day walks if you prefer. Daily activity is usually between 5 and 7 hours but some days might be longer depending on your overall pace on riding a bike with panniers, which will house all your needs for the trip. Being a self guided trip you determine the pace and schedule. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health and be a very confident and capable cyclist to complete the distances. Be prepared for potential variable weather conditions which can also add to the timing and comfort of a trip, for example riding into a head wind will take more time than when the wind is behind you.

Departure dates

Departure dates

Departs daily September - April

Notes

S

Surcharge

Note:

Prices valid up to 30/06/2018. Price may increase after this date subject to local inflationary pressures on operational cost. You will be notified accordingly if this should occur.

1

Electric Bike Hire also available.

Per Person, Twin Share

Select your datesand book now

Start Range

End Range

Available

Guaranteed

Needs 2 or less to Guarantee

Limited

Closed

Sale

The following errors occured:

Put errors here

Trip reviews

Trip reviews

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

|

Why travel with us

Why travel with us

Exceptional Leadership

As our client feedback will attest to, there is no better team of leaders than those at Australian Walking Holidays. Their expertise & knowledge is matched only by their friendly nature and their desire to impart everything they know about the Australian landscape to you.

Small Groups

We think small is good; it limits the environmental impact and allows you to forge life-long friendships with like-minded travellers. Feedback from our clients attests to the appeal of the small group dynamic – our clients say it's this that makes it special.

Exceptional Value

We aim to include as much as possible in the tour price, so that all you need to think about is being in the moment. We include meals & all park fees on our trips. Our inclusions are displayed against each trip in our brochures, on our website and in our trip notes.

Your Comfort

The best available food, warmth and shelter is standard on our active wilderness holidays, with selected character lodgings as well as quality camp craft and equipment. This ensures that you have the most rewarding and memorable experience.

About Us

Get Social

World Expeditions Travel Group

World Expeditions hold an Air Travel Organisers Licence (ATOL) no. 4491 issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). All the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our booking conditions for further information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to www.atol.org.uk/atolcertificate.

Adventure South NZ is unrivalled in their geographic coverage, originality and overall quality of adventures holidays in New Zealand. Choose from walking, cycling, winter or multi-activity holidays, on either the North or South Island.

Australian Walking Holidays

Australian Walking Holidays specialises in small group guided walking adventures. Since 1982 we have been guiding small groups of travellers on Australia's finest walks across our tropical, coastal or red centre landscapes.

Great Canadian Trails

Great Canadian Trails specialises in active holidays in Canada. With both guided and supported self-guided options available, our unique itineraries draw upon some of Canada's most inspiring parks, trails and landscapes from coast to coast.

Huma Charity Challenge

Huma enables those with adventurous spirits to challenge themselves and make a difference for a cause close to their heart. Travel, fundraise and meet life-long friends on one of Huma's meaningful and unique challenges around the world.

Sherpa Expeditions

Sherpa Expeditions is a specialist in self guided and guided walking and cycling holidays in the United Kingdom and Europe. Detailed route notes provide a definite guide to places in Europe for active walkers and cyclists.

Tasmanian Expeditions

Tasmanian Expeditions is the most experienced operator of treks and adventure travel holidays in Tasmania. We own and operate the most comprehensive range of adventure holidays available across Tasmania's varied landscapes.

UTracks

UTracks are the active European holiday specialists. Whether you prefer cycling or walking, 2-star or 4-star, small groups or self guided, land, river or sea – UTracks can help you to explore Europe exactly the way you want.

World Youth Adventures

World Youth Adventures is our specialist division dedicated to organising tailor made overseas school group adventures. Specialists in Service Learning projects, choose from more destinations than any other school group provider.

Yomads

Yomads offers adventures for the 20s and 30s on six continents. Designed as a way to bring young and likeminded travellers together, Yomads caters to those interested in lightly structured and active trips that allow freedom to roam and explore.

Manage Cookies

When you visit any web site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. This information might be about you, your preferences, your device or used to make the site work as you expect it to. The information does not usually identify you directly, but it can give you a more personalized web experience. You can choose not to allow some types of cookies. Click on the different category headings to find out more and change our default settings. However, you should know that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on the site and the services we are able to offer.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will no longer work. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable information.

DotNetNuke (DNN)

Performance Cookies

These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources, so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. If you do not allow these cookies, we will not know when you have visited our site.

Google Analytics

Functional Cookies

These cookies allow the provision of enhance functionality and personalization, such as videos and live chats. They may be set by us or by third party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies, then some or all of these features may not function properly.

None

Targeting Cookies

These cookies are set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant ads on other sites. They work by uniquely identifying your browser and device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will not experience our targeted advertising across different websites.

Facebook Pixel

Our website uses cookies to enhance your experience. You may continue to use our site without accepting these cookies however some functionality may be limited or missing.